Vitamin D can treat and prevent breast cancer

Health buzz

A recent study conducted by Dr. Cedric F. Garland, a professor in the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine’s Department of Family and Preventive Medicine recently reported that those suffering from breast cancer have an increased rate of survival if there are high levels of vitamin D present in the blood.

“We were interested in doing this study, said Garland, because we and others have shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a high risk of developing breast cancer.”

Garland said the findings will radically alter the future of breast cancer care, and it will soon become routine to give every woman with breast cancer vitamin D3 in addition to standard care.

Though vitamin D is not a replacement for standard care, it can reduce mortality greatly above what is currently being achieved at present with standard care, he said.

“If women would take enough vitamin D3 we will have far less breast cancer, with dosage being the critical factor,” said Garland. “The only way to determine the optimal dosage is for the woman to have her 25-hydroxy vitamin D tested annually.”

Peppermint has been shown to have potent health benefits, and is particularly beneficial to those suffering from abdominal problems. Peppermint oil has been found to ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, which includes cramping, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

Additionally, pregnant women are often advised to drink peppermint tea, which safely reduces nausea and vomiting. Studies have also shown that peppermint can be used to alleviate irritating itching caused by insect bites, poison ivy or skin conditions such as eczema.

Many other herbs have also been shown to offer health benefits. They include:

•Oregano, which contains antioxidants, which fight the aging and disease processes.

•Rosemary, which has rosmarinic acid as well as essential oils which have been shown to produce anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antiseptic effects.